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THOMAS A. KENNIFF

Thomas A. Kenniff is a founding partner of Raiser & Kenniff, PC, and a popular television legal analyst. He specializes in representing individuals accused of criminal offenses.

Tom’s legal experience is impressive in both its breadth and diversity. Prior to founding Raiser & Kenniff, PC, Tom served as an Assistant District Attorney in one of the metropolitan area’s most prestigious district attorney’s offices. While serving as an Assistant D.A., Tom successfully prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases and earned a reputation as a talented trial attorney. As former District Attorney and popular television personality Jeanine Pirro put it, “We’re all fans of Tom (27 April 2005, NY Post).”

NYC criminal lawyer Tom Kenniff is also a commissioned officer in the Army National Guard’s Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps and a veteran of the current war in Iraq, where he earned the Army Commendation Medal and the Global War or Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for his outstanding service in a combat zone. Captain Kenniff spent ten months in Tikrit, Iraq during 2005, serving as Chief Legal Assistance Officer for the storied 42nd Infantry Division. While in Iraq, Tom represented soldiers charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, giving him the unique perspective that comes with having tried cases in both civilian and military courtrooms. Currently he holds the title of Chief of Military Justice, supervising all criminal prosecutions involving New York Army National Guard soldiers.

Before serving as an Assistant District Attorney and JAG Officer, Tom started his law career as an associate at one of the world’s largest multinational law firms, where he represented a host of large corporations in the most complex of litigations.

Some of Tom’s high profile criminal cases have drawn international media attention, and Tom has been featured in the NY Post, Newsday, USA Today, and many other major publications. He has recently been highlighted in Arrive Magazine as one of the top three DUI lawyers in the Northeast.

Many of us know Tom from his frequent television appearances on FOX News Channel, CNN, and other major news outlets, where he’s often seen commenting on high-profile criminal cases. But don’t let the fame fool you. Tom has built his reputation as a leading defense attorney not only with zealous advocacy but also with the compassion and respect he shows each of his clients, regardless of whether they are charged with a simple misdemeanor or a major felony.

Tom is a graduate of the University of Rochester, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts, and Hofstra University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate. He is a member of the New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk County Bar Associations, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the National College of DUI Defense, the Columbian Lawyers, and the Nassau Criminal Courts Bar Association. He is a recipient of the distinguished New York State Bar Association’s Award for Excellence in Public Service. He lives in New York City and is the father of an eight-year-old daughter. When not practicing law, Tom enjoys writing and competing in ice hockey.

Admission Details

Education

New York State Bar Association’s Award for Excellence in Public Service

New York City, Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations

The National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

The National College of DUI Defense

The Columbian Lawyers

The Nassau Criminal Courts Bar Association

Providing Clients In Nyc With A Solid Defense

Raiser & Kenniff, PC, fights to uphold the rights of anyone accused of a crime in NYC. We gladly accept any challenge – even the most controversial and difficult cases. For your convenience, we can be reached 24/7 by phone at 888-743-0971, or toll free at 888-497-6627, or online.

Practice Area

Testimonial

Tom was assigned to me through the Trial Defense Unit of the NY Army National Guard. He was my representation while I faced a Flight Evaluation Board. Through his already robust knowledge of Military protocols and his enthusiasm with educating himself on Aviation centric regulations we were able to show up to the board prepared and from a position of strength. This preparedness, combined with his powerful courtroom presence led to a favorable decision by the board for me. As far as military matters are concerned I could have asked for no better representation. Thank you Tom.

Disseminating Indecent Materials

Charges dismissed

Making a Terroristic Threat

Charges dismissed

DWI Case

Charges dismissed

"Talented and well versed in Military Law"

Tom was assigned to me through the Trial Defense Unit of the NY Army National Guard. He was my representation while I faced a Flight Evaluation Board. Through his already robust knowledge of Military protocols and his enthusiasm with educating himself on Aviation centric regulations we were able to show up to the board prepared and from a position of strength. This preparedness, combined with his powerful courtroom presence led to a favorable decision by the board for me. As far as military matters are concerned I could have asked for no better representation. Thank you Tom.